The World of Shakespeare: Final Exam Review Sheet 2013

 

We read/acted the following:  Othello, Hamlet, The Tempest, The Twelfth Night, sonnets.

 

The following prompts are possible questions to consider (hint, hint):

 

#1 Examine the relationship in terms of a timeline between Desdemona and Othello.  Please make sure to examine the end of their relationship, and how specifically Othello believes she has not been faithful.  Examine how 4 characters other than Othello are directly, or indirectly responsible for the tragic ending.

 

#2 Please explain the ending of the 12^th Night.  Did true love prevail?  Were you satisfied with the ending?  Why or Why not?  Please use specific details in your response.

 

#3 Talk about what makes a Shakespearian tragedy.  Please examine one tragedy in your study group and discuss how it fits the definition.

 

#4 Please define the following literary devices that Shakespeare uses:

Alliteration, simile, metaphor, reversed word, reversed sentence construction, classical allusion, personification, suspension of disbelief, aside, using language to show class and status in the play. You should have three examples of each term and be ready to explain how they are used.

 

#5 Character can be defined by how one handles power.  Look at 3 characters and discuss how well they handled power.

 

#6 Discuss the use of comedy in his plays.  What ideas and specific plays hold up well and still make us laugh.  Please use 3 specific scenes in your discussions.

 

7.  Love, and the quest for love are important themes in many of Shakespeare’s plays.  Please examine three relationships and explain in detail how they played out in specific detail using the 3 of the following plays:  The 12^th Night, Hamlet, Othello.

 

#8 Define a Shakespearian Sonnet.  What did his sonnets reveal about him that his plays may not have?  Pick a sonnet and be familiar enough with it that you could reference it in an answer.  Be prepared to write an original sonnet about this class that follows the rules and rhyme pattern of a sonnet.  You might wish to write this before the exam and have it on your page of notes.